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Friday, May 13, 2016

Briefing
on the twenty-third semi-annual report of the Secretary-General on
the implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004)

13
May 2016

Mr.
President, everybody, Good Morning

1. Thank
you for this opportunity to address you once again in order to
present the semi-annual report of the Secretary-General on the
implementation of Security Council resolution 1559 (2004). In
my briefing, there are three main themes that I will focus on today:
first, the Presidency and the overall political situation, including
the municipal elections; second, the tensions between Lebanon and
some States in the region and their possible impact on Lebanon.
Third, I will address the security situation, including in
Palestinian refugee camps.

2. During
his visit to Lebanon on 24-25 March, the Secretary-General emphasized
these same themes: he reiterated
the need for political parties to elect a President to ensure
national unity. Further, he emphasized the importance of continued
support to Lebanon as it faces the impact of the crisis in Syria.

Mr.
President,

3. As
you are well aware, and as this Council emphasized again most
recently on 16 March, there has been no forward movement on the
Presidency. The free and fair election of a President of the Republic
without external interference is an essential focus of resolution
1559 (2004). In 11 days, it will be two full years that Lebanon has
been without a Head of State and Chief of the Armed Forces. The
longer that vacuum persists, the greater the pressure on other
functioning institutions, particularly the Parliament and the
Cabinet.

4. Despite
the hope voiced by some politicians in Lebanon that a solution is in
the making, it remains a matter of speculation whether this will
materialize in the near future. In that regard, statements indicating
that the vacuum will last for a sustained period of time are not
helpful. Lebanese politicians must be aware of the risks involved in
allowing the vacuum to perpetuate.

5. The
adverse effect of the continued boycott of parliamentary sessions is
also well known. Recent efforts by Speaker Berri with the various
political forces to hold a legislative session of Parliament are
noteworthy.

6. I
again call on Lebanese leaders to set aside their partisan
differences to make way for the election of a President. The election
is an internal Lebanese affair. It will be important for Lebanese
stakeholders to demonstrate their willingness to compromise. The
ongoing efforts by the international community to support Lebanon in
resolving the presidential vacuum must be built upon.

7. Prime
Minister Salam’s leadership in maintaining the unity of the Cabinet
should be commended. Speaker Berri’s successful support to the
dialogue between Hizbullah and the Future Movement is laudable. The
dialogue could be used as a forum for political actors to generate
consensus on presidential candidates, and pave the way to fill the
vacuum.

Mr.
President,

8. The
municipal elections started in Beirut on 8 May. These are the first
ones in six years. It is an important signal that functional channels
remain for citizens to exercise their democratic rights. It is
positive that these started on time. It is very encouraging that they
did take place in a peaceful manner. This is a tribute both to the
work of the security forces, and to the responsible behaviour of
citizens and political leaders. I hope that elections can continue as
planned.

9. In
the now positive atmosphere, I call on Lebanese politicians to keep
the momentum going and to turn their eyes to the presidential and the
parliamentary elections without further delay.

Mr.
President,

10. Regarding
the regional context, the report of the Secretary-General already
noted that on 6 March Hizbullah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah
publicly stated that his movement had sent personnel to Iraq. The
involvement of Hizbullah in conflicts in the region is of serious
concern, given the risk that regional sectarian tensions might impact
and increase tensions in Lebanon. This comes in addition to
Hizbullah’s long claimed engagement in the conflict in Syria and
the known risks to Lebanon’s stability resulting from it. I
reiterate the importance of the disassociation policy and the Baabda
declaration of 2012, and call on all Lebanese stakeholders to abide
by it and renew their commitment to its implementation.

11. In
its extraordinary session of 22 February, Prime Minister Salam on
behalf of the Lebanese Cabinet renewed the country’s commitment to
the disassociation policy, as formulated in the ministerial
statement. This statement by the whole Cabinet demonstrates the
willingness of Lebanon to preserve its security, sovereignty and
territorial integrity as it faces the continued spill-over of the
conflict from Syria. However, the statement should lead to
implementation where there is a strict connection between words and
deeds.

Mr.
President,

12. The
tensions between Lebanon and key players in the region have continued
since the decisions in March by the League of Arab States and the
Gulf Cooperation Council to declare Hizbullah a terrorist
organization. On 15 April, the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC) condemned Hizbullah for “conducting terrorist
activities in Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen and for supporting
terrorist movements and groups undermining the security and stability
of OIC member states”. Lebanon expressed reservations to the
condemnation. At the same time, Prime Minister Salam clarified and
reaffirmed in the clearest possible terms the principles of the
disassociation policy and the Baabda declaration.

13. Domestically,
it is essential that the dialogue between Hizbullah and the Future
Movement continue so that sectarian tensions along regional lines can
be prevented. However, that forum cannot be a substitute for the
resumption of the National Dialogue and the implementation of the
decisions made there.

Mr.
President,

14. Sustained
support to the Lebanese Armed Forces is necessary as it continues to
protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The role
of Lebanese Armed Forces as a multi-confessional and politically
independent and effective institution confronting threats to the
country’s stability is essential.

15. I
welcome the continued bilateral support to the Lebanese Armed Forces,
including the Memorandum of Understanding between Canada, the United
Kingdom, and Lebanon. It is a positive sign that in the twenty-sixth
session of their dialogue, Hizbullah and the Future Movement agreed
on adopting adequate measures to bolster internal stability. They
highlighted the obligation to uphold the efforts of the military and
security institutions in their work to protect the country and the
citizens. That consensus is a testimony to the importance that
Lebanese leaders attach to maintaining the country’s security and
stability. A similar unity of purpose across sectarian interests
would be instrumental in making progress on the Presidency.

16. Despite
the important security achievements yielded by the implementation of
the security plans, Lebanon is not immune to terrorist attacks. The
12 November bombing of Burj el-Barajneh, claimed by ISIL, sadly
reminded us of this fact. This attack was the deadliest since the end
of the Lebanese civil war and demonstrated ISIL’s reach in Lebanon.
The event targeted a mostly Shiite area and could have led to further
bloodshed through sectarian violence. The responsible reaction of
Lebanese politicians in the aftermath of the attack was commendable.
It is therefore equally significant that there were no further
terrorist attacks during the reporting period. This highlights the
impact of existing efforts by security services.

Mr.
President,

17. It
is of concern that, according to some Member States and actors on the
ground, the logistical capabilities of ISIL and the Nusra front in
Lebanon are said to be expanding, mostly in the Palestinian camps. On
12 April, a senior official of the Fatah Movement in the Mieh Mieh
camp, Fathi Zaidan, was killed in a car bomb explosion. This
triggered concerns that renewed armed clashes between Fatah and
Islamist extremist factions such as Fatah el-Islam and Jund al-Sham
could take place, in a bid to challenge the hegemony of mainstream
Fatah over the camp. This incident, and reports on increasing
capabilities of extremist armed elements in Palestinian refugee
camps, demonstrate the continued importance of implementing the
outstanding provisions of resolution 1559 (2004). This is
particularly relevant for the full disarmament and disbanding of all
militias.

18. On
21 March, UNRWA suspended the implementation of its revised
healthcare policy. The Agency entered into a dialogue with
Palestinian factions to address changes in its hospitalisation
policy, education, the reconstruction of the Nahr el-Bared camp and
support to Palestine refugees from Syria. The dialogue is under way.
Protests however have taken place repeatedly in front of the Agency’s
offices. According to UNRWA, it is likely that unrest will continue
and there is a potential for violence to increase. It is essential
that the Government of Lebanon ensure the protection of the Agency
and its staff and assets. I call on all concerned to pursue a
meaningful and constructive dialogue with UNRWA with a view to
resolving the current tensions and allowing a return to the Agency’s
normal activities. This situation also demonstrates that the
constraints weighing on UNRWA’s funding and its ability to provide
its vital relief services to Palestinian refugees may result in
security risks. Further to the recent call by the Secretary-General,
I appeal to donors to do their utmost to sustain UNRWA and its work
as a matter of priority for 2016.

Mr.
President,

19. As
regards the situation across the Blue Line, the Secretary-General
reported on unhelpful statements by Hizbullah secretary general
Nasrallah on both 16 February and 20 March. On 21 April, according to
media reports, a senior official from the Israel Defense Forces
stated that Hizbullah had developed capabilities that presented
unprecedented threats to Israel and that “any future crisis would
be a full-scale war” that could generate “devastating damage to
Lebanon”. I reiterate the call contained in the Secretary-General’s
report on both parties to refrain from provocative rhetoric and to
abide by their respective obligations. It is essential that the
parties continue to collaborate with UNIFIL and UNSCOL in taking
forward their obligations and in preventing an escalation.

20. Lebanon
has continued to be adversely impacted by the spill-over of the
conflict in Syria. As stated in the report of the Secretary-General,
there were repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty and
territorial integrity on the eastern border during the reporting
period. On 28 April, two Islamic State militants, including a senior
commander, were killed by the Lebanese Armed Forces in the vicinity
of Arsal. This operation showed that threats to Lebanon stability
persist and the continued importance of existing efforts to
strengthen and reinforce the capacity of the LAF border regiment.

21. Violations
of Lebanese airspace through aerial overflights from Israel
continued, as did the occupation of the northern part of the village
of Ghajar and an adjacent area north of the Blue Line, in violation
of resolutions 1701 (2006) and 1559 (2004).

Mr.
President,

22. The
number of refugees from Syria in Lebanon remained stable during the
reporting period at over one million. In addition, there are 41,000
Palestinian refugees from Syria. The London conference has
demonstrated the sustained support of foreign governments to Lebanon
as it responds to the needs of refugees. The Statement of Intent by
Lebanon details key priorities for support. This comes in addition to
the ongoing emergency and stabilization needs outlined in the 2016
Lebanon Crisis Response Plan. Prime Minister Salam at the London
conference emphasized the important humanitarian, economic, and
social challenges Lebanon is facing and urged the prompt
implementation of the pledges.

23. Donor
countries have already been generous in their support. I welcome the
10 May statement by the co-host donors of the London conference: the
United Kingdom, Germany, Kuwait, and Norway. They pledged that they
would provide over $550 million this year for Lebanon. This is an
encouraging message. I call on other member states to heed this
example to support Lebanon as it continues to host the largest per
capita number
of refugees in the world.

24. The
fruitful joint visit of the Secretary-General, the President of the
World Bank and that of the Islamic Bank to Lebanon was an important
signal of the commitment of international institutions to the
country’s stability. The creative and innovative financing
mechanisms feed into the broader efforts at conflict prevention and
stabilization.

Mr.
President,

25. The
absence of progress on the presidential election could be
discouraging. Domestic actors have not yet made the courageous
compromises necessary to put an end to the vacuum. High-level
international engagement must continue and be sustained.
Lebanon remains under severe humanitarian, economic and social
pressures. Preventive efforts have so far been the hallmark of the
international community’s approach to Lebanon. This includes the
work of the International Support Group for Lebanon, which has
contributed significantly to preserving the fragile stability of the
country.

Mr.
President,

26. Let
me use this opportunity to take stock briefly of the state of play in
the implementation of resolution 1559. Undoubtedly, since the
resolution was passed in September 2004, a lot has been achieved. In
April 2005, the Syrian Arab Republic withdrew its troops and military
assets from Lebanon on the basis of the United Nations-mediated
security arrangements within the framework of resolution 1559. This
was followed by the establishment of full diplomatic relations
between both countries in 2009. Presidential and parliamentary
elections were conducted freely and fairly in 2008 and 2009,
respectively. These landmark events demonstrate the positive and
important impact that resolution 1559 has had on the political
independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.

27. At
the same time, other provisions of the resolution are not only
lagging behind, but the failure to implement them may also erode the
progress achieved so far. I have already spoken at length about the
presidential vacuum and its negative effect on the ability of Lebanon
to make important decisions. The current paralysis undermines the
institutions that have proven effective in running the country.

28. The
most outstanding provision of resolution 1559 is the disarmament and
disbandment of Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. Since 2004, not
only have the militias’ presence and activities continued, but if
anything they have expanded. Their growing capabilities are a source
of concern. They represent a major and dangerous threat to Lebanon’s
sovereignty, stability and political independence. Looking forward,
it is essential that all efforts be made to move forward outstanding
provisions of the resolution. This is also necessary to preserve the
existing achievements.

Mr.
President,

29. This
report is the twenty-third I brief the Council on. Having served as
Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on the implementation of
resolution 1559 for the last 12 years, I now wish to devote more time
to the work of the International Peace Institute (IPI) –
particularly in its partnership with the United Nations. I have asked
the Secretary-General to relieve me of my duties as Special Envoy and
Under-Secretary-General as of 31 May this year.

30. I
wish to inform you in my last briefing that I remain a strong
believer in the independence of the Special Envoy on resolution 1559
from other resolutions. This is all the more necessary given the
radically changed political landscape in and around Lebanon compared
with the realities on the ground at the time of the inception of
1559. The provisions of the resolution remain ever more valid and
important for the political independence, sovereignty, and
territorial integrity of Lebanon today.

31. It
has been a privilege serving the Secretary-General, the Security
Council, and the world Organization for all this time. I would like
to thank this Council for its confidence and consistent support over
the last 12 years. I also would like to use this opportunity to thank
my staff for their skilful work and their dedication: Fabrice Aidan,
Nicola Davies, Dawn Stephens, Aurelie Proust, and Anne-Laure Gilard.
Without any exceptions, it has been not only an honour but a real
pleasure to work hand in hand with you on the challenges pertaining
to the implementation of resolution 1559. These weigh heavily on the
future of peace and security for Lebanon and the Lebanese people. I
would like to say to all of you that, in my capacity as President of
the International Peace Institute, if I can be helpful in advancing
the efforts to ensure international peace and security, I will be at
your service.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

“The
members of the Security Council expressed outrage at all recent
attacks in Syria directed against civilians and civilian objects
including medical facilities, as well as all indiscriminate attacks,
and stressed that these actions may amount to war crimes. They
expressed their deep concern at violations of the cessation of
hostilities endorsed by Security Council Resolution 2268.

The
members of the Security Council welcomed in this regard the recent
efforts of the co-chairs of the International Syria Support Group,
and the re-affirmation of their commitment to the nationwide
cessation of hostilities that went into effect on February 27 across
Syria, as well as their commitment to use their influence with the
cessation of hostilities parties on the ground to press them to abide
by the cessation of hostilities, refrain from disproportionate
responses to provocations and demonstrate restraint.

The
members of the Security Council recalled that all obligations under
international humanitarian law must be respected in all circumstances
by all parties. They recalled, in particular, the obligation to
distinguish between civilian populations and combatants, and the
prohibition against indiscriminate attacks and attacks against
civilians and civilian objects. The members of the Security Council
reiterated their call on all parties to immediately implement in full
the provisions of Security Council resolutions relating to Syria,
including resolutions 2139 (2013), 2165 (2014) 2191 (2014) and 2258
(2015), as well as Resolution 2286 (2016) relating to healthcare in
armed conflict.

The
members of the Security Council reaffirmed the primary responsibility
of the Syrian Government to protect the population in Syria and
reiterated that parties to the armed conflict bear the primary
responsibility to take all feasible steps to ensure the protection of
civilians.

The
members of the Security Council condemned increased terrorist attacks
resulting in numerous casualties and destruction carried out by ISIL
— also known as Da’esh, Al-Nusra Front and other individuals,
groups, undertakings and entities associated with Al-Qaida, and
called on all parties to commit to putting an end to terrorist acts
perpetrated by such organizations and individuals. They affirmed
that Member States must ensure that any measures taken to combat
terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law,
in particular international human rights, international refugee and
international humanitarian law.

The
members of the Security Council demanded the full and immediate
implementation of resolution 2254 (2015) to facilitate a Syrian-led
and Syrian-owned political transition, in accordance with the Geneva
Communiqué as set forth in the ISSG Statements, in order to end the
conflict in Syria, and stressed again that the Syrian people will
decide the future of Syria . In that respect, they expressed their
full support for the role and efforts of the Special Envoy of the
Secretary-General, Staffan de Mistura”.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

At
the xxxx meeting of the Security Council, held on 11 May 2016, in
connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled
“Threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist
acts”, the President of the Security Council made the following
statement on behalf of the Council:

1.
The Security Council reaffirms its primary responsibility for the
maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance with
the Charter of the United Nations.

2.
The Security Council further reaffirms that terrorism in all its
forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats
to international peace and security, and that any acts of terrorism
are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation,
wherever, whenever and by whosoever committed.

3.
The Security Council reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty,
territorial integrity and political independence of all States in
accordance with the United Nations Charter.

4.
The Security Council emphasizes that terrorism cannot and should not
be associated with any religion, nationality or civilization, and in
this regard stresses the importance of promoting tolerance and inter
religious dialogue.

5.
The Security Council stresses that terrorism can only be defeated by
a sustained and comprehensive approach involving the active
participation and collaboration of all States, international and
regional organizations and civil society as appropriate, to impede,
impair, isolate and incapacitate the terrorist threat, consistent
with the United Nations Global Counter- Terrorism Strategy.

6.
The Security Council reaffirms that Member States must ensure that
any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with the Charter of
the United Nations and all other obligations under international law,
in particular international human rights law, international refugee
law, and international humanitarian law.

7.
The Security Council reiterates the obligation of Member States to
refrain from providing any form of support, active or passive, to
entities or persons involved in or associated with terrorist acts,
including by suppressing recruitment of members of terrorist groups,
consistent with international law, and eliminating the supply of
weapons to terrorists.

8.
The Security Council underlines the importance of prompt and
effective implementation of its resolutions related to the fight
against terrorism, and recalls in this regard among others its
resolutions 1373(2001), 1624 (2005) and 2178 (2014).

9.
The Security Council, consistent with its primary responsibility for
the maintenance of international peace and security, in accordance
with the Charter of the United Nations, further recalls that
countering violent extremism, which can be conducive to terrorism,
including preventing radicalization, recruitment, and mobilization of
individuals into terrorist groups and becoming Foreign Terrorist
Fighters (FTFs) is an essential element of addressing the threat to
international peace and security posed by Foreign Terrorist Fighters,
as underlined in resolution 2178 (2014), and in this regard, takes
note of the Secretary General’s Plan of Action to prevent violent
extremism, and further notes that the General Assembly has welcomed
the initiative by the Secretary-General and took note of said Plan,
which will be subject to further consideration during the United
Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy review in June 2016, as
well as in other relevant forums.

10.
The Security Council notes with concern that the Islamic State in
Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as Da’esh), Al-Qaida, and
associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities, craft
distorted narratives that are based on the misinterpretation and
misrepresentation of religion to justify violence, which are utilized
to recruit supporters and Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs), mobilize
resources, and garner support from sympathizers, in particular by
exploiting information and communications technologies, including
through the Internet and social media.

11.
The Security Council recognizes the role that victims of terrorism in
particular, among other legitimate voices, can play in countering
radicalization to violence, and to develop robust social- media
campaigns and counter messaging efforts to counter terrorist
narratives and online recruitment attempts.

12.
The Security Council further notes, in this regard, the urgent need
to globally counter the activities of ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and
associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities to incite
and recruit to commit terrorist acts and recognizes that the
international community should consider developing an accurate
understanding of how these groups motivate others to commit terrorist
acts or recruit them; developing the most effective means to counter
terrorist propaganda, incitement and recruitment, including through
the Internet, in compliance with international law, including
international human rights law; developing a counter narrative
campaign to encourage, and amplify active denouncers of ISIL
(Da’esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups,
undertakings and entities to point out the fallacies and
inconsistencies of terrorist narratives, where applicable, while
recognizing the need for such a campaign to be adaptive to national
contexts; raising public awareness, including through education
regarding counter terrorist narratives; developing more effective
ways for governments to partner with appropriate civil society
actors, local communities and private sector industry partners, as
applicable, to counter radicalization and recruitment efforts of ISIL
(Da'esh), Al-Qaida and associated individuals, groups,
undertakings and entities; strengthening international cooperation
mechanisms; identifying any additional relevant infrastructure and
capability needs of Member States; and mobilizing necessary resources
to where there is need.

13.
The Security Council, accordingly, requests the Counter-Terrorism
Committee, in close consultations with the CTED and other relevant
United Nations bodies and international and regional organizations in
particular the CTITF office, as well as interested Member States, to
present a proposal to the Security Council by 30 April 2017 for a
“comprehensive international framework”, with recommended
guidelines and good practices to effectively counter, in compliance
with international law, the ways that ISIL (Da’esh), Al-Qaida and
associated individuals, groups, undertakings and entities use their
narratives to encourage, motivate, and recruit others to commit
terrorist acts, including with a counter narrative campaign,
consistent with any similar campaign undertaken by the United
Nations, as well as options for coordinating the implementation of
the framework and mobilizing resources as necessary, emphasizing, in
that regard, the primary role of Member States with regard to
activities and arrangements consistent with such framework and
welcoming their continuing efforts to enhance inter agency
cooperation and coordination and establish relevant partnerships with
private sector, civil society, religious, educational and cultural
institutions with a view to countering the narratives of terrorist
groups and incitement to commit terrorist acts.

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

The
members of the Security Council condemned the increase in violence
around Aleppo prompted by a military offensive by the Syrian
authorities launched in late April. The members further expressed
grave alarm at the intolerable suffering, death and destruction,
resulting in the deaths of up to 280 civilians in just 12 days. The
members of the Security Council reiterated the Secretary General’s
call for the Syrian parties to recommit immediately to the cessation
of hostilities and to protect civilians from t the dangers of
military operations,

The
members of the Security Council strongly condemned all attacks
directed against civilians, civilian infrastructure, and medical
facilities as violations of international humanitarian law. The
members of the Security Council expressed their outrage that on 27
April the Al Quds hospital in Aleppo was destroyed by airstrikes,
killing at least 50 people two doctors, one of whom was a
pediatrician in Aleppo, injuring dozens, and depriving many more of
lifesaving medical care. The members of the Security Council also
strongly condemned the attack, on 3 May on Al-Dabit medical facility
and the resulting casualties.

The
members of the Security Council strongly condemned all acts of
violence, attacks and threats directed against the wounded and sick,
medical personnel and humanitarian personnel exclusively engaged in
medical duties, their means of transport and equipment, as well as
hospital and other medical facilities in Syria.

The
members of the Security Council recalled the adoption on 3 May 2016
of resolution 2286 on healthcare in conflict, and that, under
international law, attacks intentionally directed against hospitals
and places where the sick and wounded are collected, functioning as
such , as well as attacks intentionally directed against buildings,
material, medical units and transport and personnel using the
distinctive emblems of the Geneva Conventions in conformity with
international law are war crimes. [PP17, healthcare resolution]

The
members of the Security Council underlined their demand in resolution
2268 that all parties to whom the cessation of hostilities applies
fulfil their commitments as outlined in the terms of the cessation,
and urged all Member States, especially ISSG members, to use their
influence with the parties to the cessation of hostilities to ensure
fulfilment of those commitments and to support efforts to create
conditions for a durable and lasting ceasefire. (based on OP 1 of R.
2268)

The
members of the Security Council look forward to the next report of
the Special Envoy on the implementation of resolutions 2254 and 2268,
including by drawing on information provided by the ISSG ceasefire
task force.